Round-the-Clock Purple and Gold

Josh McRoberts has taping issues

Josh McRoberts' return to the court hardly went the way he wanted, but it had nothing to do with the sore big toe on his left foot.

Instead, McRoberts' return to the lineup after missing the last six games remained limited to a four-minute appearance because of some apparent taping issues.

"I thought his toe was acting up again, but apparently the tape job wasn't good," Lakers Coach Mike Brown said. "They retaped it and he was ready to play. But I did not know that ... It happens sometimes. Somebody might have told one of the assistants or somebody told me but I didn't hear. He was available. I just did not realize he was available."

Why the communication breakdown happened remains unclear. But what remains clear is that McRoberts says he feels fully healthy. For the Lakers -- already facing injuries with Steve Blake (rib/sternum) and Metta World Peace (Achilles, back) -- the last thing they need is another missing reserve for no good reason.

"I just had some padding in my shoe that I needed to take out," McRoberts said. "I felt good though. I didn't reinjure the toe or anything."